Architecture of Hyderabad

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Panorama of Charminar complex, showing the Charminar, Mecca Masjid and Nizamia Hospital.

A distinct Indo-Islamic architecture style with local contribution is reflected in the historical buildings of Hyderabad, making it the first and "Best Heritage City of India" as of March 2012.[1] The city houses many famous historical sites constructed during Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi period, including various mosques and palaces.[2]

Hindu Temple Architecture is also seen in the temples of Hyderabad, including the Birla Mandir,[3] Jagannath Temple and Akanna Madanna Temple.[4][5] Modern architectural styles are seen in most buildings constructed after independence.

Golconda Sultanate (1591–1687 CE)[edit]

Further information: Qutb Shahi architecture
One of the Qutb Shahi Tombs

Qutb Shahi architecture of the 16th and early 17th centuries followed classical Persian architecture featuring domes and colossal arches.[6] Inscriptions in Persian and elaborately carved stucco work are found on most of these buildings. The oldest surviving Qutb Shahi structure in Hyderabad is the ruins of Golconda fort built in the 16th century.

Taramati Baradari

The most important monuments from this time are the Charminar and Mecca Masjid, both built by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the founder of Hyderabad. Most of the historical bazaars that still exist were constructed on the street north of Charminar towards the fort. The Charminar has become an icon of the city, located in the center of old Hyderabad. It is a square structure with sides 20 m (66 ft) long and four grand arches each facing a road. At each corner stands a 56 m (184 ft)-high minaret.[7]

To the north of the Charminar is a public square enclosed by four giant arches, known as the Char Kaman.[8][9] A fountain called Gulzar Houz is at the center of this area.

Another example is the Qutb Shahi Tombs complex, a complex of tombs of the Qutb Shahi rulers, as well as other royals and noblemen. The domes were originally overlaid with blue and green tiles, of which only a few pieces now remain.[10] The tombs are set in a garden. The complex includes a step-well,[11] turkish bath, and a mosque.

The Charminar, Golconda Fort and the Qutb Shahi tombs are considered to be monuments of national importance in India. In 2010, the Indian government proposed that the sites be listed for UNESCO World Heritage status.[12][13][14]

The style is also seen in the Taramati Baradari, Khairtabad Mosque,[15][16] Musheerabad Mosque,[17] Shaikpet Sarai,[18] and Toli Masjid.[19][20][21]

Mughal period (1687–1724 CE)[edit]

Dabirpura Darwaza, one of the two surviving gateways to the Old City.

The only significant architectural contribution during the brief Mughal rule in Hyderabad was the construction the city wall of Hyderabad, constructed out of granite in typical Mughal defence architecture.[22] The wall had twelve gateways, each wide enough for an elephant to pass through.[23] Mughal emperor Aurangzeb also completed the construction of the Mecca Masjid, adding a gateway and topping the minarets with domes.[24]

Nizams of Hyderabad (1724-1948 CE)[edit]

The Nizams of Hyderabad ruled between the 18th and 20th centuries as vassals of the British Empire. Therefore, European architectural styles became prevalent during this period.[25]

Sitaram Bagh temple built during the Nizam period.

Apart from the Nizams' palaces, the noble families built their own palaces and mansions in Indo-European styles. This includes Diwan Devdi,[26] Asman Garh Palace, Errum Manzil, Khursheed Jah Devdi, Bashir Bagh Palace, Bella Vista, Hill Fort Palace, and Paigah Palace.

With the introduction of a sizable Christian population, churches including the St. Joseph's Cathedral,[27] St. George's Church,[28][29] CSI Garrison Wesley Church,[30] and Holy Trinity Church were built in the city, especially in and around Secunderabad, the new city built as a British cantonment.

Neoclassical[edit]

Falaknuma Palace, completed in 1893.
British Residency

The British Residency, completed in 1798, was probably the first major example of neoclassical architecture in Hyderabad.[31]

The Falaknuma Palace, used as a guest-house by the Nizam, was inspired by Andrea Palladio's villas. The Nizams applied European styles in some of the palaces such as Falaknuma and King Kothi Palaces.[32][33]

Indo-Saracenic[edit]

Hyderabad High Court, completed in 1919, was designed in the Indo-Saracenic style by Vincent Esch.
Moazzam Jahi Market
Kacheguda railway station

In the 17th century, Asaf Jahi architecture emerged with palatial style outweighed secular construction. The earliest examples include the Purani Haveli, which served as the seat of the Nizam until the Chowmahalla Palace was constructed. The Chowmahalla Palace, located a stone's throw away from Charminar was constructed over a period of 100 years. It was recently restored and opened to the public. A wide variety of Indian and European styles, ranging from baroque to neoclassical, are seen in the palace[34][35]

The last Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan is called as the maker of modern Hyderabad. The buildings constructed during his reign are impressive and represent a rich style of Indo-Saracenic architecture, such as the Osmania University[36] and Moazzam Jahi Market.[37][38] These buildings are quite distinct from their earlier Qutb Shahi counterparts.

In the early 20th century, the Nizam invited British architect Vincent Esch to design four major public buildings of Hyderabad — the Hyderabad High Court, Osmania General Hospital,[39] City College,[40] and Kachiguda Railway Station.[41] Esch, a pioneer of the contemporary Indo-Saracenic style designed these building in this style combining Indo-Islamic and European features.

The Spanish Mosque, Paigah Tombs,[42] Mahbub Mansion, Saidani Ma Tomb, Aza Khana-e-Zohra,[43] Hill Fort Palace, and Nizamia Hospital, also contribute to the architecture of this period.

Art Deco[edit]

Alhambra in Banjara Hills, residence of Mohammed Fayazuddin.

Art deco buildings were built in the 1930s and 1940s. [25] Art Deco style was introduced to Hyderabad by a German architect called Karl Heinz.[44] The Moazzam Jahi Market, SBH Building, buildings by Mohammed Fayazuddin and a number of cinema halls are examples.


Post-Independence (1947 CE – present)[edit]

Hostel buildings at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad designed by Christopher Benninger.

Modern architectural styles with skyscrapers of glass and steel dominate the newer areas of the city. These include the new airport at Shamshabad, Cyber Towers in Hi-Tec City etc.




References[edit]

Citations[edit]

  1. ^ "Heritage award for Hyderabad raises many eyebrows". The Times of India. 2 March 2012. Archived from the original on 7 May 2013. Retrieved 20 March 2012.
  2. ^ "UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation". UNESCO. 2010. Archived from the original on 3 April 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2011.
  3. ^ Khalidi, 2009, pp. 98.
  4. ^ "Rambagh temple, a hidden gem in the Hyderabad". Deccan Chronicle. 5 November 2017. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  5. ^ "Divine Destinations in Hyderabad :: Telangana Tourism". Archived from the original on 21 July 2018. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  6. ^ Michell, George (1987). The new Cambridge history of India, volumes 1–7. Cambridge University Press. pp. 218–219. ISBN 0-521-56321-6.
  7. ^ Bilgrami, 1927, pp. 17–19.
  8. ^ Bilgrami, 1927, pp. 19–21.
  9. ^ Haig, 1907, pp. 210.
  10. ^ "Restoration of Quli Qutub Shahi tombs". The Hindu. 28 October 2015. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  11. ^ Lasania, Yunus Y. (11 July 2016). "Badi Baoli at Qutb Shahi tombs restored to full glory". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  12. ^ "The Qutb Shahi monuments of Hyderabad Golconda Fort, Qutb Shahi tombs, Charminar". UNESCO World Heritage Site. 2010. Archived from the original on 22 February 2013. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  13. ^ Tourist guide to Andhra Pradesh. Sura Books. 2006. ISBN 978-81-7478-176-5. Retrieved 22 February 2013.
  14. ^ "Qutb Shahi style (mainly in and around Hyderabad city)". aponline.gov.in. Archived from the original on 10 January 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2013.
  15. ^ Bilgrami, 1927, pp. 57–58.
  16. ^ Nanisetti, Serish (11 October 2018). "Archaeology Dept. turns its focus on Khairatabad Masjid". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  17. ^ Bilgrami, 1927, pp. 93–94.
  18. ^ Khalidi, 2009, pp. 45.
  19. ^ Bilgrami, 1927, pp. 65–67.
  20. ^ "Toli mosque: Toli Mosque under threat; road works go on brazenly | Hyderabad News - Times of India". The Times of India. 12 May 2018.
  21. ^ "Qutub Shahi Tombs Hyderabad, timings, entry ticket cost, price, fee - Hyderabad Tourism 2018". www.hyderabadtourism.travel. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  22. ^ Bilgrami, 1927, pp. 94–95.
  23. ^ Khalidi, 2009, pp. 24–30.
  24. ^ Khalidi, Omar (2009). A Guide to Architecture in Hyderabad, Deccan, India. Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture & MIT Libraries. p. 41.
  25. ^ a b Nanisetti, Serish (29 July 2017). "Mapping the Art Deco beauties before they vanish". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 16 June 2019. Retrieved 16 June 2019.
  26. ^ Khalidi, 2009, pp. 121–122.
  27. ^ Khalidi, 2009, pp. 103.
  28. ^ Khalidi, 2009, pp. 104.
  29. ^ Staff Reporter (17 August 2010). "St. George's Church turns 143". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  30. ^ Reddy, Ravi (21 December 2014). "162-year-old church in Secunderabad restored". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
  31. ^ Nanisetti, Serish (1 November 2015). "Iconic Residency suffers damage". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  32. ^ George Michell (1987). The New Cambridge History of India, Volumes 1–7. Cambridge University Press. pp. 218–219. ISBN 0-521-56321-6.
  33. ^ "Jubilee Hall a masterpiece of Asaf Jahi architecture". The Siasat Daily. 31 December 2011. Retrieved 12 April 2012.
  34. ^ "Chowmahalla Palace grandeur to be restored before monsoon - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
  35. ^ "Chowmahalla wins National Tourism Award - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 July 2018.
  36. ^ Nanisetti, Serish (8 April 2017). "Arts College building, a hand-me-down architectural gem". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  37. ^ Khalidi, 2009, pp. 257.
  38. ^ Nanisetti, Serish (27 March 2018). "Moazzam Jahi Market to be restored in 4 months". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  39. ^ Chandrashekhar, B. (14 April 2018). "Nizam's kin urge State to restore Osmania Hospital". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  40. ^ Nanisetti, Serish (13 January 2018). "Government City College radiates the charm of a bygone era". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 15 January 2018. Retrieved 19 July 2018.
  41. ^ Nanisetti, Serish (9 June 2018). "Kacheguda Railway Station: a precursor of the architectural idiom". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  42. ^ Safvi, Rana (21 January 2018). "The Paigah's necropolis". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 25 September 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  43. ^ Nanisetti, Serish (24 September 2018). "Aza Khana e Zehra, a monument for mourners". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 26 September 2019. Retrieved 26 September 2019.
  44. ^ Mukherjee, Kakholi (1 May 2021). "Art Deco, the secret language of buildings". The New Indian Express.

Bibliography[edit]

Further reading[edit]

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